January 2026 spine surgeries - Let's hear the positive outcomes!

Hi sherry @sherrym25, I am going to book my flight today for 01/07/2026 surgery. arrive 01/05/2026 to make my 01/06/2026 blood tests & EKG plus Zoom meeting with Dr C
I found out my surgery will be a T 9 thru L5 with removal of L3 L4 - L4 L5 prior fusion, And I think I will have a vertebral resection? Not sure about that as one of my surgeons couldn't make it for our zoom meeting he had an emergency, no explanation! I had some questions I hope I am ok for the flight back I think I will be in the hospital for 5 to 7 days then skilled nursing in Phoenix for 7 to 10 days? If I can fly home I should be ok with a little help from friends? I'm hoping to send info on positive results from surgery procedure with Dr McClendon, & Chandan Krishna ,M.D.M.D. Division of Neurological Surgery

@sherrym25 Thank you so much for this reminder and encouragement to share the positive results - or just update on what recovery is like. It was hard to find any information and this forum was the hope and help I needed.
I am Day 62 po from T-10 thru S1 due to scoliosis, 48 degree curve. It was my first surgery at the age of 59. My surgery was done in Jacksonville's Mayo with Dr. Adobe. I was in the hospital for 9 days and able to go home, though in patient rehab was suggested, but not necessary. I had wonderful support from my husband - which was absolutely needed. Overall, I have had an "amazingly positive" recovery, but have had to learn what that means in context. I am not sure I understood that I was having a major surgery. I spent a lot of time preparing for back surgery - I did squats and lunges; worked on my core; walked every day; lots of isometrics. About 4 weeks prior to surgery I was mindful about adding more protein and electrolytes. This is an area I wish I had spent a little more time and effort on. My recovery from surgery has been more challenging than the actual back surgery - if that makes sense. I have battled anemia and low blood pressure since the surgery. I think I am rounding the corner but it has been a lot of work to regain ground. I was discharged with low numbers with the hope that being home I would have a better appetite and food choices. In hindsight, I could have prepared better by being more intentional with my diet that would have helped me manage the impact of anesthesia. I should have been a little more proactive while in the hospital about why these numbers were so low, as this limited the physical therapy and occupational therapy that I received while in the hospital.
I am excited to see how healing continues. The pain that led to my surgery is nonexistent. I can sleep through the night without waking up in pain - and that's without any medication! I am still in recovery from this surgery, and this forum has helped me so much in knowing what's the next milestone I can anticipate, or is ? this normal?
@rwdixon4 praying for you as you make this journey apart of your story. Press in on those questions you have and make sure that you feel heard and supported. Wishing you the very best! Happy New Year and happy healing everyone!

This is so helpful although it has me thinking if I feel so good today after trigger-point injections & pain meds and exercising getting ready for surgery ~ maybe I should postpone surgery ? While I'm strong and feel so good go do some things that I have wanted to do ~ ~ ~ fly fishing in Montana !

Italy ?

Or get it done while I'm strong & heal faster as I am in better shape ? Thoughts anyone ?

@rwdixon4
Happy New Year, Bob!

Since you are asking for thoughts, I will give you mine. I pray about everything and when doors are opened for me, I go through them. Everything lined up for my surgery last year and I know it was the right thing to do, at the right time.

I think it’s amazing that you have two incredible surgeons lined up to work together on your surgery. They are two of the top surgeons in the field. So many things in life can change at a moments notice. Surgeons can leave their practices.. they can get ill. You can get ill or get another injury. You have worked so hard to get to where you are right now and everything is lining up for your surgery. So my thoughts are that you proceed as planned. Heal up and then enjoy the life that you are talking about right now!
You are in my prayers!
Sherry

And on another positive note for me, Dr. McClendon’s office emailed me yesterday and said that he reviewed my x-rays and that my spine has fused nicely! I am kind of floating on cloud nine! Now I’m going to start working with my young horses without fear of messing up my fusion!!! Yay!!

@rwdixon4 Bob, I’m so excited for your surgery! I was at Phoenix Mayo for nine days and then flew home. I think it’s wonderful that you get to be in a nursing home for a week or so. That’s really going to help you heal up before your flight home. My flight wasn’t bad. They’ll take you through in the wheelchair and you’ll get to sit in the front seat. I flew Southwest and they really took care of me.
Please keep all of us updated along the way! I remember typing on this site as I was sitting on the gurney after they had put my IVs in. There’s a lot of excitement, but also plenty of time to communicate with others.
Best, Sherry

Thank you all for sharing the positives!!! You are spot on Sherry, sharing the good is absolutely crucial to the bigger picture, especially psychologically

@sherrym25 Woo Whoo! Some pony time is coming! Give them a hug for me! Congratulations on your recovery!

@sherrym25 That's great ! I'm very happy for you 👍 Keep floating on that cloud #9 as well as those young horses ! ! ! ENJOY IT AS YOU SHOULD ! ! ! I would too!, "Good for you"

Bob

@jenniferhunter thank you so much, Jennifer! I’ve been meaning to send you a picture of Dash. He will be two in May. I’ll get a couple better pictures this week hopefully if the sun comes out. I’ve never experienced so much fog in my life here in California!!